I'm a Mom in Australia—These Are the Wardrobe Staples I Rely On in My Daily Life
There are a few TikTok accounts I find myself returning to again and again, and one of them is Ailie Smith's. I love how her wardrobe has that perfect balance between practical and interesting. It's laid-back and easy to move in, yet it's still chic and intentional—a combination I'm endlessly inspired by and always gravitate toward. She also has niche taste, and I've discovered so many emerging brands through her that I might not have come across otherwise.
Based near Newcastle, Australia, Smith is a creative stylist, content creator, and mother. I don't have children myself yet, but if I was a busy mom, I'd be using her shopping recommendations for guidance all the time. Truthfully, though, I already do. Kids or not, she's an incredible fashion reference.
"It's hard to master the art of building out a long-lasting wardrobe that will carry you through the years and different seasons of life. I'm a 32-year-old mum of two, and for the first time in my life, I don't feel resistance when it comes to dressing myself," Smith told me. "The key is having a strong base—go-tos for every occasion. I will be forever updating my wardrobe, base pieces included, but I've found that now I have a nice foundation to fall back on. I can explore my personal sense of style a little more, knowing I can pair these pieces back with my core wardrobe and watch the magic unfold. As a mum, I'm prioritizing comfort and quality—clothes that can be sent to the wash week after week after week. I also want to look good! Some keywords or features of the clothes I gravitate to are comfortable, oversize, quality, uncategorized, effortfully effortless, and elevated."
Below, Smith shares her current go-tos, what's on her wish list, and the accessories she wears to elevate her everyday looks.
Current Go-Tos
"These Organic Cotton Baby T-Shirts are the best to come across my desk. They are so comfortable and lightweight. The perfect cut and the color options… One of each, please. For a longline option, I adore Friends With Frank's The Baby Tee."
"I encourage anyone reading this to purchase a ‘Personality Coat’ for their wardrobe. Something that you're completely drawn to that encapsulates your style—so when you wear something simple, the coat can hero or when it's cold and your outfit is covered, you can still express your personal style. Points if you wear it for 15+ years, have it become your signature trademark, and pass it down as an heirloom. What fashion is all about."
"This bomber saw me through my first six months postpartum with my second. Anytime I was flying out the door, it was an easy grab and throw on. It looked great over my baby carrier for walks, at coffee catch-ups, errands, and appointments. It's gorg, warm, and has pockets. (Pockets are important.)"
Wish-List Items
"If you're like me and you've been struggling to find the perfect white longline T-shirt, look no further. The Jenni Kayne [top ticks] that lightweight, drapey, perfect-length-sleeve box, and the COS Oversized Cotton T-Shirt [has] a more casual look. The white T is my most-worn item of clothing ever, and I know people throw the term 'cost per wear' around a lot, but truthfully, my white-T-shirt purchases would be in the negatives by now."
"I have had a Babaà jumper on my wish list for years. I believe this is the ultimate mom jumper, especially in those early cuddly days. You and your beb wrapped in wool during your first winter together to having the piece evolve from lounge pants to denim jeans to shorts in the spring. So sweet. Just think of the pics."
Accessories to Elevate Outfits With
"Such a simple but impactful addition to any outfit. I love the organic look to these hoops, and they are the best size in my opinion. I love to wear these with a simple tee and trou but notice myself reaching for them anytime I'm headed out somewhere a little nicer. The hoop that can do it all."
"A big, beautiful tote bag that doubles as a baby bag. That's the secret sauce when you're a fashion mum. I have a smaller secondary bag, which is basically a condensed nappy bag that I pop into any of my nicer bags when I'm out and about. Just leave the bulk in the car!"
"Speaking of Olga Joan accessories, the colors on offer are generous and beautiful. I find I tend to purchase a lot of blacks, off-whites, browns, and navy when it comes to clothes, so when shopping for accessories, I like to let loose a little. It's an inexpensive way to add color to your wardrobe and a little dopamine to your outfits."
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